Princess Mary shuns the sparkle for an understated ivory dress to join Danish royals

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark proved she's a true style chameleon by stepping out in a floor-sweeping ivory dress - just days after she dazzled in a sequin-adorned evening gown.

The Australian-born royal, 43, donned the understated attire to attend the nation's annual New Year's Diplomatic Reception on Tuesday.

Adding interest to the otherwise demure dress, Mary tied a blush-pink coloured belt around her waist and hung a taupe overcoat on her shoulders as she made her way into the halls of Copenhagen's Christiansborg Palace with her handsome husband Crown Prince Frederik, 47.

Her ensemble wasn't without a hint of sparkle though as she accessorised the plain but elegant dress with a large pearl necklace complete with pink diamond droplet, a light blue ceremonial sash and a broach.

The mother-of-four pulled her glossy brunette locks into a half-up half-down style - a look coveted by the Duchess of Cambridge - and make-up was kept simple with just a slick of pale pink lipstick.

Mary's husband meanwhile, was very dashing in his Danish military uniform.

Queen Margrethe, dressed in a navy brocade coat with fur sleeves, was also in attendance and led the evening proceedings.

It is the first official function the 75-year-old has attended alone since her husband, Prince Henrik, 81, retired from royal life.

The New Year's Diplomatic Reception is held in honour of the members of the diplomatic corps.

Despite only being the first week of 2016, it has already been a busy one for the Danish royals.

On Friday, they were out in force to attend the annual New Year royal banquet at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen.

Wearing a midnight blue velvet floor-length gown with the bottom half embellished with delicate sequins, Princess Mary looked elegant as she arrived arm-in-arm with Prince Frederik.

She wore her hair pinned back underneath her antique diamond and ruby-encrusted tiara and paired her outfit with her Knight of the Order of the Elephant collar.

Prince Frederik donned Danish military uniform and carried his ceremonial sabre for the traditional event and the couple were greeted with thunderous applause from well-wishers as they exited the car and made their way up to the castle doors.

His parents Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik hosted the VIP gala and waved to the waiting crowds as they made their way inside.

Their younger son, Prince Joachim, 46, also wore traditional military regalia for the event and was pictured beaming as he made his entrance with his wife Princess Marie.

The 39-year-old wore an exquisite cream floor-length dress embroidered with small flowers and a beautiful tiara.

January is one of the most eventful months of the year for the Danish court, especially for Prince Frederik and Australian-born Princess Mary.

Following the New Year's banquet, there is at least one more turn of the year party before they celebrate the birthday of her twins, Prince Vincent Frederik Minik and Princess Josephine Sophia Ivalo Mathilda, who turn five on January 8.

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